Klx rear wheel

[777klx]

Thinkin of changing my rear wheel on my klx for something lighter and maybe with Cush drive.
Any ideas anyone?

[kdx Geoff]

I just weighed a complete wheel (including brakes and tyres in a comparable state of rootedness) from a KLX and a kdx200..there was only 600 grams between the 2 of them at 13.3kg and 13.9kg respectively.

[TT5 Matt]

cush drives are good for those "heart of glass" gearboxes klx's have but they come with a weight pendalty as well

[777klx]

I only was thinking of getting a better rear wheel as the klx spokes are hard to find as a set and also wanting less weight and better braking,

[kdx Geoff]

Partzilla says these bikes share front and rear spokes.

1979 KLX250-A1 KLX250 WHEELS-TIRES 
1980 KDX175-A1 KDX175 WHEELS-TIRES ('80 A1) 
1980 KDX175-A1 KDX175 WHEELS-TIRES ('81-'82 A2-A3) 
1980 KLX250-A2 KLX250 WHEELS-TIRES 
1980 KX125-A6 KX125 WHEELS-TIRES ('80 A6) 
1980 KX125-A6 KX125 WHEELS-TIRES ('81 A7) 
1981 KDX175-A2 KDX175 WHEELS-TIRES ('80 A1) 
1981 KDX175-A2 KDX175 WHEELS-TIRES ('81-'82 A2-A3) 
1981 KX125-A7 KX125 WHEELS-TIRES ('80 A6) 
1981 KX125-A7 KX125 WHEELS-TIRES ('81 A7) 
1982 KDX175-A3 KDX175 WHEELS-TIRES ('80 A1)
1982 KDX175-A3 KDX175 WHEELS-TIRES ('81-'82 A2-A3)

You could also replate the ones you have.

[GMC]

You won't get much lighter than the KLX hub as they are basically the 125/175 hub which were too light for the massive torque from the KLX.
No really, they used to break spokes all the time as the spokes were too light, maybe why there aren't many original spokes around now.
You would be better off getting some heavier spokes made than chasing originals, there are a few local spoke makers that could do this for you.

But back to the original question, I wouldn't mind knowing what the lightest cush drive hub is as I wouldn't mind going down this path as well.

[LWC82PE]

If you are open to non Kawasaki cush drive hub there are maybe a few options.

78/79 DR/SP370, 80 SP400  (150mm drum 15mm axle)- i can weigh this bare hub and sprocket carrier both nos with no other parts
80-84 DR400/500, SP500, RS250 (150mm drum 17mm axle) - i have been told that this hub/wheel is heavier than the above 370/400 though.

The bare 370 suzuki hub is a lot lighter than TS/TM 250/400 cush drive hub but the 370 has an extra bearing in the carrier so i do wonder if it still ends up being lighter in the end compared to the TS/TM hub with the massive steel sleeve in the center.

Then there's a couple early- mid 70's 130mm drum cush drive hubs from TS185 and TM125

TS/TM 250/400 most people consider too heavy and i am not a fan of how they they do the sprocket carrier on that hub. SP370 and the DR400/500 is better i think.

The above hubs can fairly easily be changed from 15 to 17mm axle or 17mm to 15mm axle. There's a couple special/not common bearings you need but i have found them and its pretty straight forward to do the conversions.

Of course there is also the 80-84 quick release PE cush drive hubs too. 130mm for 175 and 150mm for 240/400.  Brake and sprocket both on left side.

[cloggy]

DR400 weighs a ton, total overkill.   370 is still heavier than KLX
Central Wheels in the uk can do you a spoke set
I've had no trouble with spokes or gears , but then my tuning of the engines  has been confined to alterations on jetting/exhaust and we don't have much hard rock in Britain, mostly soft mud. I've found the back brake ok, it's the front that's appalling.

[grouty]

I've had my KLX since 82. Rear spokes have always been an issue. The front ones not ! Never understood that, as there is not enough power to loft the front wheel over logs and rocks etc. So you just have to plough on .... which you would have thought would trash the front spokes.
Any way, after replacing countless spokes, and fitting a replacement KDX175 rear wheel (it's identical). I had the rear wheel rebuilt with an SM Pro rim and stainless heavy gauge spoke (8g I think). It's now bomb proof !!!

[777klx]

Where did you get the spokes from? A local dealer can get a set for me costing $633nzd which is a little too much

[tony27]

Have a look for the Buchanan's website but if they don't have them listed Steve will be able to give you his wheelbuilder's details who should be able to tell you what custom sets cost from them

[bazza]

777KLX   get stainless ones made in Auckland and wheel laced for half what your saying
 

[777klx]

Who builds them in Auckland?

[bazza]

Morriss his dad did them for 30yrs before him,will get his contact for you tonight

[bazza]

Tom Morris, Pakuranga.  Ph 09   576 0312
he makes and stocks spokes and of course laces wheels